Htin Kyaw becomes Myanmar Prez

Ending 50 years of military rule, Myanmar Parliament has elected Htin Kyaw as its first civilian president today.

He was a close aide of Aung San Suu Kyi and also worked as a driver to her. The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Suu Kyi, rose to power after registering a landslide victory in the historic elections in November.

He said his appointment was “Aung San Suu Kyi’s victory”.

Ms Suu Kyi is barred from the post by the constitution as both her children have British citizenship. But she said she would lead the country in an indirect way.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Htin Kyaw. Our bond will become stronger now, he said